James “Jimmy” Charlier Whelan, 86, of Ingram, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 10, 2026, surrounded by his family. James was born to James Thomas Whelan Jr. and Irene Edward Bost Whelan on September 11, 1940, in Kerrville, Texas.
Most people knew him as Jimmy or Big Jimmy! He graduated from Tivy High School in the class of 1959 and served his country in the National Guard for 8 years following high school. He was also a part of the first Ingram Volunteer Fire Department with his parents.
He met the love of his life, Betty Graves, under the big tree at Crider’s! While Betty worked at TJ Moore’s, he would make frequent visits to have a cup of coffee, “Betty being completely unaware that he did not drink coffee” they were married June 5, 1964! After 62 years he said it was worth it!!
He had a love and knowledge of raising and showing livestock from childhood to passing it onto his children and his grandchildren. He also helped with many FFA chapters and 4-H groups. His love for drafting was a wonder to watch. And he loved to tell us all about how they built certain places or worked on the blueprints. After working with his father in their family construction business, his love became Water and Wastewater. That was a part of his and his family’s life for many years. Late in life he became a security guard and absolutely loved working in that profession.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Thomas Whelan Jr. and Irene Edward Bost Whelan
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Whelan; son and wife, Jimmy and Carrie Whelan; daughter, Jodi Whelan Gearlds; sister, Patricia Petsch; grandchildren, Jamie and Trevor Graham, K. T. and Bobbie Gearlds, Katie Whelan, Caleb Whelan, John Broderick; great-granddaughter “The New Love of His Life” Willow June Gearlds; in-laws, Barabara and Carlos Roberts, Amanda Graves; numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family; and The Friends Group…
There will be a Celebration of his Life on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 2:00p.m. at Open Arms Ministry, 161 Ingram Hills Rd., Ingram, Texas 78025.